The Mechilta famously tells that before G-d gave the Torah to Beneh Yisrael, He offered it to other nations. He first asked the descendants of Esav if they wanted the Torah, and they replied by questioning what the...
I heard a beautiful Midrash that tells of two neshamos facing the Heavenly Court after 120. As the first neshama stood before the court, a voice called out, “You receive reward for three children”....
The Desert This week’s parsha, named “Bamidbar,” which means “in the desert,” is always read preceding the holiday of Shavuos, when we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Sinai, more than 3,300 years ago, in the year 1313...
Human beings are naturally drawn to joy. We gravitate toward people who radiate positivity, warmth, and happiness. A smiling face, an encouraging word, genuine enthusiasm—these qualities make us feel safe, uplifted, and energized. Psychologists often speak about “emotional contagion,” the...
In an unprecedented moment, a sitting president, Donald J. Trump issued an official proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month alongside America’s 250th anniversary, expressing profound appreciation for Judaism and urging Jews to honor the coming Shabbat by observing it. The Proclamation...
There is a halachah which, at first glance, does not seem to have any practical relevance to us, but in truth, as the Vilna Gaon explained, conveys a vitally important lesson for each and every person. The halachah...
Following the laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, the Torah writes: “You shall perform My decrees and observe My ordinances and perform them; and you shall dwell securely on the land. The land will give its fruit...
One of the special features of the wonderful upcoming Yom Tov of Shavuos is the reading of Megilas Rus. While it is a fascinating and delightful story, its linkage to the celebration of Matan Torah, the giving of...
Rebbe Shlomo of Bobov zy’a said in the name of his holy father, the Kedushas Tzion zy’a hy’d, that there is a Midrash (it is also written in the sefer Emunas Yisrael, Avodah #8, printed year 5580) that talks about...
Cow-Free Milk A New Era in the World of Kashrut What is “New Milk”? “New Milk” is a dairy-free product made using a yeast-based fermentation process. This process produces proteins that are identical to...